The Many Faces of ADHD - Sandra's story

This ADHD Awareness Month, CADDAC is highlighting "The Many Faces of ADHD" — because ADHD doesn't look the same for everyone. It spans all ages, backgrounds, genders, and experiences. We asked for volunteer bloggers to share their personal journeys with ADHD — the challenges, the wins, the moments of clarity or chaos. This is Sandra's story.

Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?

I was always very energetic and wondered if I had the hyperactive version of ADHD, but I was diagnosed when my son was in grade 4 and I was 44. I was grateful to attend an ADHD 101 conference put on at BC Children's Hospital in conjunction with Kelty Mental Health. I have since spent significant effort learning about and advocating for my son and his two neurodivergent siblings. Apparently, I shared my gifts. I have recently written and performed a one-person storytelling play at the Vancouver Fringe Festival featuring my life experience as a parent with ADHD parenting neurodivergent children.

What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD? 
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.

Parenting my 3 children and managing our household. I particularly struggled with maintaining housekeeping routines and managing our very full schedules. All my kids were competitive athletes, and I was self-employed.

What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?  

I appreciate many stimulating projects going on at the same time, and am happy leading groups of volunteers or coworkers in special events. I became an event planner after I sold my small retail store chain.

How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.

My Latin American heritage and zeal for life work well with my hyperactive energy and social nature. I use my boundless energy to advance causes near and dear to me and find it easy to engage others in the adventure. Being an older woman participating in school events allowed me to build a community of engaged parents who encouraged and supported each other as we worked to better the school. As our children faced academic difficulties, we helped each other navigate the education system and influenced the decisions made by the administrators and staff that included and supported a diverse school population.

What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?

I want people to understand that executive function is a better predictor of academic success than intelligence. Raising awareness of the developmental delays associated with ADHD would help parents and teachers have more patience and compassion with students struggling in classrooms and at home. I feel that teacher training showing how providing written lesson notes, progress check-ins and schedule reminders for students could significantly improve learning outcomes and reduce classroom management issues.

What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.

I have taken personal development courses that gave me excellent tools to interpret my situation in a way that puts me in a position of choice. I found focusing on reality and how I can make things work towards the desired outcome, even if it's finding a different way, has worked out better for me than trying the same old way that doesn't work for me. I understand that advocating for my children as soon as possible, directly and frequently, has aided in creating better experiences for all involved.

Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now? 

I want to stop the ADHD Tax through education. I want to foster understanding amongst people and enlist their support to intentionally help the health and development of neurodivergent people by being more flexible and compassionate. We all benefit when we strengthen the fabric of goodwill that exists in the world.